Snow
This almost didn't get posted. I was worried I wouldn't have time; my mom's had me running around baking, cleaning, and wrapping last minute gifts. That last one's my fault but…Well, anyway, enjoy and leave me a review!
Hiei had always had mixed feelings about snow.
When the flakes were big and rough, falling from the dark angry sky accompanied by ice or rain, it reminded him of the world he hadn't belonged to. The family he'd never had. The chances he hadn't been given. The people who hadn't wanted him.
But when the snow was soft and gentle, falling slowly as if playing in the wind, it reminded him of sweet innocent Yukina. Soft, pleasant memories, still stained and clouded by his insecurities about his past and refusal to share such darkness with his pure and kind sister.
Tonight, however, neither seemed to fit the description as the falling glitter painted the world around him white. The large snowflakes drifted in the gentle wind, falling gracefully before landing among others already resting beneath the quiet, peaceful sky. His own tree was already dusted in a thin layer of icy crystals, sparkling in the dim moonlight.
A soft contented sigh floated past his ears, as if carried by the frosty breeze. Icy garnet followed the soft sound to find Botan standing beneath his tree watching the falling snow, amethyst eyes glowing with almost child like joy. Snow settled soundlessly among her light blue locks, shimmering as if diamonds coated her soft hair. The red tie that usually held her ponytail had been replaced by a shiny green one, probably left over from gift wrapping. Dark blue jeans were covered to about mid-shin by a pair of white snow boots and her pale fingers were hidden by black woolen gloves.
Hiei allowed his eyes to soften slightly as she shivered, just enough for him to notice, against the rapidly cooling breeze. Her heavy white jacket, though obviously made for winter weather, was not adequate for simply standing amid the falling snow.
"It's cold; go inside." His words were cold and sharp, not spoken with concern or affection. But as surprised amethyst met frozen ruby, a bright, touched smile lit her lightly wind-flushed face.
"In a minute," she promised, voice wistful and dreamy. But even as the words fell from her lips, her body involuntarily shuttered against the wind.
Hiei moved before even he realized what he was doing. He allowed himself a small smirk, hearing Botan's quiet gasp as his long black cloak covered her shoulders. Her gasp turned to a bright affectionate smile as she softly whispered her thanks, and Hiei turned back to the snow so she wouldn't see the soft red that now dusted his usually harsh face.
His whole body tensed as he felt Botan gently wrap her arms around him, hands resting loosely across his stomach. "It's cold," she whispered against his hair, answering his unspoken question.
He let her hug him. He had nothing to gain and everything to lose by pulling away.
Merry Christmas.